1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 920 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2789 mm |
